Denier Tournois - John of Gravina

Historical Context: John of Gravina, a prominent Angevin prince, ruled the Principality of Achaea from 1318 to 1333. His reign occurred during a tumultuous period for the Latin East, marked by ongoing struggles against Byzantine resurgence and internal dynastic disputes. As the last significant Angevin Prince to reside in Achaea, John sought to stabilize the principality, facing challenges from local barons and foreign powers. The issuance of the Denier Tournois underscored Achaea's economic ties to Western Europe and its continuation of established Frankish monetary traditions in Greece.

Artistry: The Denier Tournois of John of Gravina adheres to the well-established numismatic conventions of Frankish Greece, directly emulating the French royal Tournois type. The obverse typically features a stylized castle (Château Tournois), often accompanied by the ruler's name or initial, while the reverse displays a cross potent with identifying legends. While individual engravers remain anonymous, the stylistic school is distinctly medieval Western European, prioritizing legibility and symbolic representation over intricate artistic detail. The design is robust, serving as a clear identifier of the issuing authority.

Technical/Grading: This billon Denier Tournois, weighing 0.8g and measuring 18mm, often exhibits characteristics typical of medieval coinage. High-points for wear and strike include the central towers of the obverse castle and the center of the reverse cross. Due to the inherent challenges of billon striking and irregular planchets, examples frequently show off-center strikes, uneven pressure, and weak or incomplete legends, particularly at the periphery. Corrosion and surface imperfections are also common. A well-struck example with full legends and clear central motifs is highly desirable.